Numerous dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your liver damage. Liver disease is any condition that impairs your liver's ability to function normally. Common signs and symptoms associated with liver disease include abdominal pain, jaundice and elevated liver enzymes in your blood. Before taking supplements to help treat your liver damage, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is an herb and dietary supplement that may be helpful in treating your liver damage. Milk thistle, a member of the aster family, is a stout plant native to the Mediterranean region, although it now grows throughout the world in dry, sunny climates. Milk thistle possesses a bitter taste. The seeds of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including liver ailments. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that milk thistle both protects and restores the health of your liver. Milk thistle, notes Tilgner, has been used to help treat hepatitis, fatty liver and liver cirrhosis. Meet with your doctor to discuss appropriate dosage, possible side effects and potential drug interactions before taking milk thistle.
Fringe Tree
Fringe tree is an herb and dietary supplement that may be beneficial in combating your liver damage. The University of Texas at Austin's Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website reports that fringe tree, also known as Chionanthus virginicus, is a deciduous tree, or shrub, that has drooping clusters of white blossoms. Fringe tree, a member of the olive family, has a slightly bitter and astringent taste and possesses drying and cooling tendencies. The inner bark of the tree is used for medicinal purposes. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," fringe tree stimulates bile flow and promotes liver action and drainage. Smith says that fringe tree has been used to help treat hepatitis with enlarged liver, liver congestion, jaundice and alcoholic liver. Consult your physician about proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions before taking fringe tree.
Celandine
Celandine, also known as Chelidonium majus, is an herb and dietary supplement that may be effective for treatment of liver damage. Celandine grows throughout Europe and the temperate and subarctic regions of Asia. A member of the poppy family, celandine has a bitter, acrid taste and cooling tendencies. The roots, herb and juice of the plant are used medicinally to help treat liver problems. Tilgner says that celandine is an anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective, or a substance that supports normal liver function and protects your liver cells from damage. She adds that celandine has been used to treat chronic liver disease and that it causes the liver to secrete less viscous and more profuse bile. Before taking celandine, talk with your physician about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
